Magnesium Neonatal Intoxication: A Case Review Magnesium Sulfate is currently the treatment of choice for severe preeclampsia and eclampsia. Since it crosses the placenta, magnesium can reach high levels in fetal plasma, ocassionally reaching levels higher than maternal plasma. Objective: To analyze a 35 weeks gestational age newborn, who presented hypermagnesemia due to maternal treatment with magnesium sulfate (in routine dosage) indicated for severe preeclampsia. Clinical Case: The mother

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... infused with MgSO4 for 17 hours until pregnancy was interrupted because of fetal monitoring. The baby weighed 2,620 grams, was depressed, hypotonic, cyanotic and without respiratory effort and only partially responded to initial resucitation with positive pressure ventilation. The infant was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for monitoring, support and management. High levels of plasma MgSO4 were found (4.7 mg/dl), compatible with the diagnosis of hypermagnesemia. Symptoms and signs slowly disappeared, and the child was discharged after 10 days of hospitalization. Conclusion: We present the clinical case of a newborn with a history of maternal use of magnesium sulfate, who presented hypermagnesemia characterized by neonatal depression, hypotonia, central apnea with oxygen requirement and who progressively normalized in a 10 day period. (Key words: Magnesium sulfate, infant, newborn, preeclampsia). Rev Chil Pediatr 2009; 80 (3): 261-266 RESUMEN El Sulfato de Magnesio es actualmente el medicamento de elección para el tratamiento de la embarazada con preeclampsia severa y eclampsia. Dado que atraviesa la placenta, alcanza elevados niveles en el plasma fetal, pudiendo en ocasiones superar la concentración plasmática materna. Objetivo: Analizar la evolución de un neonato de 36 semanas de edad gestacional que cursó con cuadro de hipermagnesemia secundario a tratamiento materno con sulfato de magnesio en dosis habituales, indicado como terapia de una CASO CLÍNICO CLINICAL CASE Rev Chil Pediatr 2009; 80 (3): 261-266 Trabajo recibido el 13 de noviembre de 2008, devuelto para corregir el 12 de enero de 2009, segunda versión el 03 de febrero de 2009, aceptado para publicación el 23 de marzo de 2009.